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I've narrowed it down...

So my first venture into tube equipment will be an integrated amp based on the recommendations of this fine group of enthusiasts. I have narrowed the field to the Rogue Audio Tempest III, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, the Cayin H-80 and Cary SLI-80.

All of this is based on what I have read and what fits in my budget. The Cary is a little over but for something I think I'll have for a lifetime I'm willing to go a little over...

I will be driving B&W 602S3's until more $$$ are available for something else.

My intent is to listen to vinyl then maybe venture into CD's or digital music. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated.

Going somewhere to listen to any of these is not an option for me, and room size is undetermined as I am in the process of moving.

Thanks.
botit
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Mikirob,
Oh I very much trust my ears(there`s no better way) That`s how I got to SET amplifiers. My question for Atmasphere was academic in nature,tube amp designer vs competent SS designer.
Regards,
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Yes Botit, I think that is very true, changing speakers will change the sound of your system in a much more obvious way than changing amps, and down the road you get the amp that will take your speakers to a higher level. That would be my approach if you are looking to make a real change in the sound of your system and if you have to do one thing first and the second down the road.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
If you are willing to commit to a new pair of speakers, are you willing to spend $2700 for a set that are flexible enough to be used with tube (SET, PP, OTL) or solid state amps, and still sound outstanding? That can handle a wide range of power output (5 - 500 watts)? That also provide for flexible room placement? If so:

http://audiokinesis.com/product_ak_rhythm-prism.html

If you're willing to go a bit higher:

http://audiokinesis.com/product_ak_prisma.html
jwm
908 posts
 
Great posts, I see what Atmosphere is trying to convey. I personally like tubes better than solid state, but I think some local feedback is needed with most speakers to control the back wave of the woofer. When I say some feedback I mean very little like 4-10 dbs. I am not sure if any amp made is truly zero feedback. Maybe globally, but locally I think all amps need a little feedback to work.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Jwm,
I believe you are correct for the most part,but it really depends on the speaker you intend to drive. I do 'think' that some lower power SET amplifiers(I think my 300b amp is one example)operate without'any' negative feedback at all. This may be possible due to their inherent linear character. If this is the case then of course appropriate speaker selection is a must. I`ll check with the builder of my amp to be sure.
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